Coil carrier attachment for fork lift vehicles

ABSTRACT

An attachment for fork lift vehicles removably mountable upon the fork lift elements thereof and having a convex outer configuration conforming to the circular inner surface of an annular coil of sheet material to facilitate lifting and hauling of the coil by engagement of the coil inner surface upon the conformed convex outer surface of the attachment.

United States Patent Shore [54] COIL CARRIER ATTACHMENT FOR FORK LIFT VEHICLES [72] Inventor: Sherman ,1. Shore, Pittsburgh, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Mapco, Inc.,

[22] Filed: Aug. 21, 1970 [21] App1.No.: 66,012

Valencia, Pa.

[52] [1.8. CI. ..214/620, 214/D1G. 3 [51] Int. Cl. ..B66f 9/12 [58] Field of Search ..214/620, 621, 750, DIG. 1, 2l4/DIG. 3, DIG. 4, 451, 452, 453, 454;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,418,522 4/1947 Needham ..280/47.12 X 1,284,022 11/1918 Wright ..248/89 8/ 1968 Fischer ..214/620 51 Sept. 12, 1972 2,434,140 6/1948 Bernstein ..248/89 741,922 10/1903 Muldoon ..248/89 1,720,338 7/1929 Loper et a]. ..21 l/24 X 1,591,248 7/1926 Tracy ..214/DIG. 1 2,545,417 3/ 1951 Ulinski ..214/750 X 1,723,320 8/1929 Zibelman ..214/454 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 55,146 5/1912 Austria ..248/75 Primary Examiner-Robert J. Spar Anorney l-lubbell, Cohen & Stiefel [57] ABSTRACT An attachment for fork lift vehicles removably mountable upon the fork lifi elements thereof and having a convex outer configuration conforming to the circular inner surface of an annular coil of ,sheet material to facilitate lifting and hauling of the coil by engagement of the coil inner surface upon the conformed convex outer surface of the attachment.

14 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PAT ENTED 12 I97? 3, 690 .492

3&1 L

INVENTOR BY SHERMAN J. SHORE AT TOfiNEYS.

COIL CARRIER ATTACHMENT FOR FORK LIFI VEHICLES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to powered hauling equipment, particularly fork lift vehicles. More specifically, the invention involves an attachment which is removably mountable upon the fork lift elements of such a hauling vehicle for adapting said vehicle to haul coils of sheet metal.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the industrial application of hauling vehicles such as fork lift trucks, it is often necessary to haul objects which do not provide a flat planar surface against which the fork lift elements may be engaged. Since the fork lift elements usually comprise a pair of flat, heavy metallic members arranged proximate and parallel to each other, problems may arise when the items to be hauled are susceptible to defacement or damage as a result of engagement with these elements.

Soft metals, such as aluminum and the like, are often produced in sheet form suitable for a variety of applications. This sheet material may be suitably wound or convoluted in the form of an annular coil to facilitate shipping and/or stogage. In the handling and hauling of such annular coils of sheet material, fork lift equipment is often used by engagement of the fork lift elements within the inner circular opening of the coil. Abutment of the edges of the fork lift elements against the curved metal surface defining the coil inner opening often causes damage to the portions of the sheet material so engaged. This damage occurs with frequency and can often be substantial resulting in costly waste of materi- I al. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide means whereby annular coils of sheet material comprising relatively soft, damage-prone metals, may be engaged upon the fork elements of a hauling vehicle without causing damage or defacement thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the present invention may be described as an attachment for fork lift vehicles to facilitate hauling of annular coils of sheet material, said coils having an inner rounded surface defining an opening therethrough, the attachment 1 comprising a convex member shaped in general conformity with said inner rounded surface and means removably engageable with the fork elements of the vehicle to releasably retain the attachment thereupon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DMWINGS The present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective showing a part of the fork elements of a fork lift vehicle with the attachment of the present invention in use during hauling operation;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the attachment of the invention engaged upon a fork lift vehicle while not in use; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings in detail, there is shown in FIG. 1 an annular coil 10 mounted in hauling relationship upon a pair of fork elements 12 and 14 of a fork lift vehicle (not shown) having the attachment 16 of the present invention mounted thereon in its operative position.

The annular coil 10 may be formed of any one of a number of metallic sheet materials and represents the form into which these materials are often rolled to facilitate shipment or storage. An example of such materials is sheet aluminum intended for a variety of industrial or commercial uses. The coils are commonly formed with standard dimensions. Particularly, the radius of an inner surface 40 defining a circular opening through the coil 10 may comprise a standardized dimension of about 8 inches.

Quite often items of the nature of the annular coil 10, formed of soft sheet aluminum, will require handling and/or hauling from one location to another during the period between initial manufacture and delivery to a site for ultimate use. Such hauling may require that the coil 10 be engaged and lifted by a motorized fork lift vehicle of the type widely used in factories, warehouses, loading areas and other similar places. As will be understood, such engagement often results in damage to the material of such a nature that the value of the material or its suitability for particular uses is significantly reduced. For example, as will be noted from the drawings, the shape and configuration of the fork elements 12 and 14 is such that they form relatively sharp edges 18 and 20 extending along the length thereof. It will be apparent that abutment directly upon these edges by a soft metallic material such as aluminum could cause indentations or other disfigurement of the material sufficient to render the material unacceptable for an intended commercial or industrial purpose.

The attachment 16 of the present invention is intended for utilization in this situation to obviate or diminish the possibility of serious damage to sheet material coils such as the standardly-sized annular coil 10 during a hauling or lifting operation by a fork lift vehicle.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the structure of the present invention comprises a convex member 22 made from sturdy metallic material, such as sheet steel or the like, having its convex exterior sized and shaped in a particular manner, as will be more fully explained hereinafter, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The member 22 of the preferred embodiment is circularly shaped to define a radius R and extends across an are A which is preferably less than 1 Retaining means comprising a pair of T-shaped members 24 and 26 are affixed to the underside of the convex member 22, with each of said T-shaped members 24 and 26 also being formed of sturdy sheet material similar to the material utilized in forming member 22, i.e., sheet steel.

As shown in the drawings, each of the T-shaped members 24 and 26 is essentially formed of an upright section 28 and a transverse section 30. The upright section 28 may be welded or otherwise appropriately connected to the convex member 22 as shown at 32. Similarly, the transverse section 30 may be either integrally formed with the upright section 28 or attached thereto by a weld 34 or other appropriate connection.

A pair of stop members 36 and 38, which may comprise metal blocks or other similar pieces, is affixed, e.g., by welding, to one end of the convex member 22 to engage the ends of the fork elements 12 and 14 thereby to act as stop means for longitudinally locating the attachment 15 upon said fork elements.

As previously stated, the annular coils to be hauled when utilizing the present invention are usually formed in standard sizes with the radius of the circular opening defined by the surface 40 being maintained essentially the same for each coil to be hauled. Accordingly, the opportunity arises as a result of utilization of the structural combination of the present invention to conform the radius R of the convex member 22 almost exactly to the radius of the inner opening of the coils. Of course, these diameters need not always conform exactly in order to derive the benefits of the invention but it will be understood that closer conformity will, in most cases, produce superior results.

Assuming radius R is about equal to the radius of the inner opening of the coils, then the angle subtended by are A is most preferably less than 180 in order to permit easy insertion of the convex number 22 into the inner circular opening of the coil 10. It will be apparent that in a case where these dimensions are substantially equal, forming the convex number 22 in a semi-circular configuration would impede insertion into the coil opening. Naturally, if the radius R is somewhat less than the radius of the inner opening of the coils, then the angle subtended by are A can be 180, or even greater, as the reduced radius will permit clearance for easy insertion of the attachment into the coil opening. Provided the radius R does not differ unduly substantially from the radius of the inner opening of the coil, the coil will not be damaged. The radius R may also be somewhat greater than the radius of the inner circle of the coils in which event the chord across are A must be less than the diameter of the inner circle to permit insertion of the attachment therewithin. Thus, in this letter instance, the angle subtended by the are A must be less than 180.

When placing the attachment 16 in its operable position, the T-shaped member 26 is first aligned with the upright section 28 between the fork element 12 and the fork element 14. The attachment 16 may then be longitudinally positioned by sliding movement, with the T- shaped member 26 being drawn within the space between the fork elements 12 and 14 along their length to the position shown in FIG. 2. This sliding movement may be continued until the stop members 36 and 38 are in abutment with the ends of the fork elements 12 and 14. With the attachment 16 in this position the device will be held in place by engagement of the upright section 28 between the fork elements 12 and 14, and by engagement of the transverse section 30 beneath the fork elements 12 and 14.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the underside of the convex member 22 will rest upon the edges 18 and 20 of the fork elements 12 and 14. It will be noted that by apthe T-shaped members 24 and 26, the attachment 16 may be removably engaged upon fork elements 12 and 14 in a firm and effective manner for utilization during hauling of the annular coils 10. By forming the upright section 28 of an appropriate length, the proximity with which the transverse section 30 is located relative to the underside of the fork elements 12 and 14 will be such that the structural combination will insure a firm and secure engagement thereupon during use, while enabling and facilitating removal and replacement when desired.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the specific structural combination set forth, including the T- shaped members 24 and 26, will provide a simplified, inexpensive construction enabling adaption of a fork lift vehicle to hauling of annular coils 10 of sheet material in an arrangement which is not unduly complicated and which does not require complex procedures to assemble or mount. Furthermore, it will be clear that attachment 16 may be readily and quickly removed from engagement with the fork elements 12 and 14 and that it is capable of firm and secure engagement thereon when in use.

It will be understood that one of the factors of importance with regard to the concepts of the present invention relates to the specific sizing and configuration of the convex member 22. As a result of the specific structural combination set forth, the convex member 24 may be readily formed with an upper convex surface whose degree or radius of curvature preferably conforms to the curvature of the inner surface 40 defining the opening through the annular coil 10. In this manner, the annular coil 10 may be lifted and hauled while being engaged upon a conforming surface thereby insuring a smooth contact between the conveyance vehicle and the item to be hauled. As a result, many of the problems related to damage and defacement of the coil 10 will be obviated and hauling thereof may be accomplished in a more expeditious manner. It will also be apparent that utilization of the attachment 16 with a fork lift vehicle may enhance and facilitate conveyance of a plurality of coils 10 in a single haul since the coils may be more easily mounted and held in place in an aliqned position.

It should be understood that alterations and modifications of the preferred embodiment described are possible without departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the retaining means need not necessarily be provided as a pair of T- shaped members 22 and 24, one on each end of the convex member 22. If the attachment 16 is to undergo more severe stress, it may be appropriate to provide one continuous T-shaped member which would extend from the position occupied by the T-shaped member 24 to the position of T-shaped member 26 thereby engaging the fork elements 12 and 14 in the space therebetween along almost the entire length of the attachment 16. This would provide additional structural strength and rigidity for the device without complicating or interfering with the mounting procedures.

Accordingly, it should be understood that the retaining means may comprise any appropriate arrangement, within the scope and purview of the invention, which would hold the convex member 22 in position during hauling while enabling removal thereof from the fork elements 12 and 14 when not in use for the purposes described. Also, the stop members 36 and 38 are considered optional and may be dispensed with where it is not desired to maintain the attachment 16 on the ends of the fork elements in a particular relative longitudinal position. For example, it may be desired for particular applications to permit the attachment 16 to be longitudinally slidable engaged upon the fork elements in a position intermediate the ends thereof.

Therefore, it will be understood that the above described embodiments of the invention are merely illustrative of the principles thereof and that numerous modifications and embodiments of the invention may be derived within the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. An attachment for adapting a fork lift vehicle to haul annular coils of sheet material, said coils having an inner curved surface defining an opening therethrough, said attachment comprising:

a convex member shaped in general conformity with said inner curved surface to facilitate hauling interrelationship therewith; and

means removably firmly engageable with the fork elements of said fork lift vehicle for releasably retaining said convex member thereupon in a position in which the longitudinal axis of said convex member is substantially parallel to the axes of said fork elements,

wherein said removably engageable means comprise inverted T-shaped means including an upright section depending from said convex member and a transverse section.

2. An attachment according to claim 1 wherein said convex member is generally circularly shaped to extend across an arc of less than 180.

3. An attachment according to claim 2 wherein said coil opening is circular and wherein said convex member defines a radius generally equivalent to the radius of said circular opening.

4. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein said convex member comprises an elongated single sheet of material having a curved configuration extending along the entire length thereof.

5. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein said convex member comprises a generally elongated configuration having said T-shaped means positioned proximate opposite ends thereof.

6. An attachment according to claim 5, wherein said T-shaped means comprise a pair of separate T-shaped members, each located proximate opposite ends of said convex member.

7. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein said T-shaped means are attached to said convex member with said upright section generally extending in a direction coincident with the radius of curvature of said convex member.

8. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein the transverse section of said T-shaped means generally extends in a direction perpendicular to the radius of curvature of said convex member.

9. Apparatus for hauling annular coils of sheet material, said coils having an inner curved surface defining an opening therethrough, said apparatus comprising:

fork lift means including a pair of fork elements extending parallel to each other in adjacent spaced relation shi ;and anattachmen including tending between said fork elements with said convex member engaged upon one side of said fork elements and with said transverse section engaged upon the opposite side thereof.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said retaining means extend between said fork elements.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said retaining means are engaged with said fork elements upon the underside thereof.

12. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said attachment includes stop means extending from one end thereof and located to engage the ends of said fork elements in abutting relationship therewith to determine the relative longitudinal positioning between said attachment and said fork elements.

13. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said convex member comprises a single sheet of curved material having a convex upper side and a concave lower side, with said T-shaped means attached upon said concave side by connection thereto of the end of said upright section opposite said transverse section.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said convex member is in engagement with said fork elements upon its concave side and wherein the relative spacing between said concave side and said transverse section cooperates to provide releasable securement of said attachment upon said fork elements. 

1. An attachment for adapting a fork lift vehicle to haul annular coils of sheet material, said coils having an inner curved surface defining an opening therethrough, said attachment comprising: a convex member shaped in general conformity with said inner curved surface to facilitate hauling interrelationship therewith; and means removably firmly engageable with the fork elements of said fork lift vehicle for releasably retaining said convex member thereupon in a position in which the longitudinal axis of said convex member is substantially parallel to the axes of said fork elements, wherein said removably engageable means comprise inverted Tshaped means including an upright section depending from said convex member and a transverse section.
 2. An attachment according to claim 1 wherein said convex member is generally circularly shaped to extend across an arc of less than 180* .
 3. An attachment according to claim 2 wherein said coil opening is circular and wherein said convex member defines a radius generally equivalent to the radius of said circular opening.
 4. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein said convex member comprises an elongated single sheEt of material having a curved configuration extending along the entire length thereof.
 5. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein said convex member comprises a generally elongated configuration having said T-shaped means positioned proximate opposite ends thereof.
 6. An attachment according to claim 5, wherein said T-shaped means comprise a pair of separate T-shaped members, each located proximate opposite ends of said convex member.
 7. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein said T-shaped means are attached to said convex member with said upright section generally extending in a direction coincident with the radius of curvature of said convex member.
 8. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein the transverse section of said T-shaped means generally extends in a direction perpendicular to the radius of curvature of said convex member.
 9. Apparatus for hauling annular coils of sheet material, said coils having an inner curved surface defining an opening therethrough, said apparatus comprising: fork lift means including a pair of fork elements extending parallel to each other in adjacent spaced relation ship; and an attachment including a convex member shaped in general conformity with said inner surface to facilitate hauling engagement therewith, and means removably engageable with said fork elements for releasably retaining said, said retaining means comprising T-shaped means including an upright section and a transverse section, said upright section extending between said fork elements with said convex member engaged upon one side of said fork elements and with said transverse section engaged upon the opposite side thereof.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said retaining means extend between said fork elements.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said retaining means are engaged with said fork elements upon the underside thereof.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said attachment includes stop means extending from one end thereof and located to engage the ends of said fork elements in abutting relationship therewith to determine the relative longitudinal positioning between said attachment and said fork elements.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said convex member comprises a single sheet of curved material having a convex upper side and a concave lower side, with said T-shaped means attached upon said concave side by connection thereto of the end of said upright section opposite said transverse section.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said convex member is in engagement with said fork elements upon its concave side and wherein the relative spacing between said concave side and said transverse section cooperates to provide releasable securement of said attachment upon said fork elements. 